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Christmas Message 12/23/91 [OA 8332]
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Christmas Message 12/23/91 [OA 8332]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13787
Folder ID Number:
13787-003
Folder Title:
Christmas Message 12/23/91 [OA 8332]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
G
26
22
1
5
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
December 23, 1991
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
IN CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
The Blue Room
THE PRESIDENT: Merry Christmas. I'd like to offer a
special greeting to the men who were held hostage so long and to
their families who never surrendered hope through the long years of
isolation and hardship.
These valiant people sustained themselves through faith
and friendship, character and courage. They demonstrated the
strength of American ideals, character and determination -- a
strength that inspired the entire world in 1991.
Nineteen ninety-one has been a year of dramatic change
and challenge. It was about one year ago, in the interest of world
peace, that I decided Saddam Hussein's aggression would not stand
even if force had to be used. We tried diplomacy and economic
embargoes, and then we moved against the brutal dictator and
liberated Kuwait.
When our troops returned home, we felt whole -- proud of
their courage, confident in ourselves. And that was just the
beginning of a momentous year.
Who would have thought 12 months ago, that the Soviet
Union as we have known it would no longer exist. Who would have
thought that Arabs and Israelis in the Middle East would sit down to
discuss ways of forging a permanent peace. And who would have
thought that we would see democracy and freedom sweep the globe so
dramatically. Who would have thought that American ideals would
triumph with such startling suddenness.
In 1991, the impossible became history. And now we must
capture that same spirit of belief in ourselves as we overcome hard
times at home and build a foundation for lasting prosperity and
peace.
And we've already started. Just last week I signed a
transportation bill that will put hundreds of thousands of Americans
back in good jobs. This year, we unleashed a revolution in
education. And I can tell you by the end of this decade, we will
have the world's best schools. And our children will lead the next
generation to a better future.
And next week I'll travel to Asia to fight for open
markets and more opportunities for American workers because exports
abroad mean more jobs right here at home. Let there be no mistake,
my number one priority is jobs and economic growth. And I'm
confident that we will succeed.
Let us remember that American ideals, faith, fellowship,
family, freedom, are the values that will shape the world dawning
before us. Already Americans have banded together to help those in
need, and that's appropriate for this season of faith. It's also the
way Americans are -- decent, helpful, full of ambition and hope,
MORE
- 2 -
united in their devotion to community and family. Thank God for our
families.
When I lit our National Christmas Tree in Washington
nearly two weeks ago, thousands of lights illuminated the towering
spruce -- thousands of warm beacons transformed the night. Each day
we can light the darkness by helping someone in need, working to see
that no elderly person goes to bed hungry; that no homeless person
spends another night shivering on the streets; that no child sits
alone unloved, unknown.
Americans have the talent and power to do anything. And
so when history remembers Christmas, 1991, let it remember that we
promise to bring God's light to our brothers and sisters in need.
Let it record that on Christmas, 1991, this nation united to ask God
for peace on Earth, goodwill to all. And let it record that a new
age of goodness and hope began here and now.
God bless you, and may your Christmas be bright with
love.
END
Final Dec 23 11:20 a.m.
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
December 23, 1991 1 p.m.
CHRISTMAS.TS Draft Four
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTMAS ADDRESS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
BLUE ROOM
Merry Christmas. I'd like to offer a special greeting to
the men who were held hostage so long, and to their families, who
never surrendered hope through the long years of isolation and
hardship.
These valiant people sustained themselves through faith and
friendship; character and courage. They demonstrated the
strength of American ideals, character, and determination -- a
strength that inspired the entire world in 1991.
1991 has been a year of dramatic change and challenge. It
was about one year ago, in the interest of world peace that I
decided Saddam Hussein's aggression would wont stand even if
force had to be used. We tried diplomacy and economic embargoes
-- and then we moved against the brutal dictator and liberated
Kuwait.
When our troops returned home, we felt whole -- proud of
their courage; confident in ourselves. And that was just the
beginning of a momentous year.
Who would have thought twelve months ago that the Soviet
Union would no longer exist? Who would have thought that Arabs
and Israelis in the Middle East would sit down to discuss ways of
would
forging a permanent peace? Who would have thought that wer see
democracy and freedom sweep the globe so dramatically? Who would
2
have thought that American ideals would triumph with such
startling suddenness?
In 1991, the impossible became history. Now, we must
capture that same spirit of belief in ourselves as we overcome
hard times at home -- and build a foundation for lasting
prosperity and peace. And we've already started.
Just last week, I signed a transportation bill that will put
hundreds of thousands of Americans back in good jobs.
This year, we unleashed a revolution in education, and I can
tell you, by the end of this decade, we will have the world's
best schools -- and our children will lead the next generation to
a better future.
And next week, I'll travel to Asia to fight for open markets
and more opportunities for American workers because exports
abroad mean more jobs right here at home. Let there be no
mistake, my number one priority is jobs and economic growth. And
I'm confident that we will succeed.
Let us remember that American ideals -- faith, fellowship,
family, freedom are the values that will shape the world dawning
before us.
Already, Americans have banded together to help those in
need. That's appropriate for this season of faith. It's also
the way Americans are: decent, helpful, full of ambition and hope
-- united in their devotion to community and family. Thank God
for our families.
When I lit our National Christmas Tree in Washington nearly
3
two weeks ago, thousands of lights illuminated the towering
spruce; thousands of warm beacons transformed the night. Each
day we can light the darkness by helping someone in need --
working to see that no elderly person goes to bed hungry; that no
homeless person spends another night shivering on the streets;
that no child sits alone, unloved, unknown. //
Americans have the talent and power to do anything. So when
history remembers Christmas 1991, let it remember that we
promised to bring God's light to our brothers and sisters in
need. Let it record that on Christmas 1991, this nation united
to ask God for peace on earth, good will to all. Let it record
that a new age of goodness and hope began here -- and now.
God bless you, and may your Christmas be bright with love.
#
#
#
#
#
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
December 18, 1991 5 p.m.
CHRISTMAS Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTMAS ADDRESS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
Time of Taping
Merry Christmas. A special welcome from this entire country
to the men who were hostages so long and are finally home --
finally home in this, the most generous, most proud, most free
nation on the face of the earth. We've seen some unforgettable
triumphs for the human spirit these last couple of years. Today,
let's say a silent prayer that one Christmas we'll be able to
celebrate freedom and peace embracing the entire world.
And today, let's also say a prayer for those at home who
urgently need our help. These are tough times. Americans search
for a sign from Washington that someone understands. People like
Dave Perdue, of Arlington, Texas. I was down in Texas last week,
USA
signing a transportation bill on a highway near Arlington. After
Today
I got home I heard that Dave had been trying to see me. He's the
President of UAW Local 276, at the GM plant. He said: "I would
"The Borkers
just have pleaded with him to look around. Just do something."
Dave -- I am looking around. I do see. I do care -- I care
desperately. And we are doing something. We're doing everything
we can. We will turn this thing around. We will do it because
we are Americans -- rooted in sound economic fundamentals but,
more importantly, rooted in ideals of faith, fellowship and
family -- the ideals that have sustained this nation for 215
years. While in Washington we dedicate ourselves to doing all we
can for each one of you -- you can summon up the best of the
American spirit and reach out and help your neighbors in need.
a
2
Nope
You know, Christmas is the only I day when the ^ wor ld honors a
single person. What a moving reminder for all of us of the power
of one life -- of one man who stood for faith, hope and charity -
Crinthians - and "the greatest of these is charity." Charity -- the joy of
13:13
friendship and helping others pageant and the theme of this year's
National Christmas Tree ^ here in Washington.
more than
Along with our 5 most recent hostages, I lit that tree about
a week ago. As I watched the lights come on -- the thousands of
Ealmast Falmaseks week
sparkling lights on that dark, tall spruce -- I thought of how
they transformed the night into something beautiful. At that
moment, in a very real way this tree became a symbol -- a living,
shining reminder that this is a nation based on the ideal of
charity -- of goodness, generosity, and simple kindness.
When we illuminated that tree, we turned the cold darkness
into warm light. We can do that every day in a concrete way in
our own neighborhoods, when each of us in our own way reaches out
a hand to a friend, or stranger, in need. By working in our own
neighborhoods we can make sure that no elderly person goes to bed
hungry -- that no homeless person spends another despairing night
on the streets -- that no child lacks his birthright of love.
When history remembers Christmas 1991, let it remember that
together we promised to bring God's light to our brothers and
sisters in need. And let it be remembered that on Christmas 1991,
this nation united to ask God for Peace on earth, good will to
all. God bless you, and may your Christmas be bright with love.
#####
Final Dec 23 11:20 a.m.
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
December 23, 1991 p.m.
CHRISTMAS.TS Draft Four
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTMAS ADDRESS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
BLUE ROOM
Merry Christmas. I'd like to offer a special greeting to
the men who were held hostage so long, and to their families, who
never surrendered hope through the long years of isolation and
hardship.
These valiant people sustained themselves through faith and
friendship; character and courage. They demonstrated the
strength of American ideals, character, and determination -- a
strength that inspired the entire world in 1991.
1991 has been a year of dramatic change and challenge. It
was about one year ago, in the interest of world peace that I
decided Saddam Hussein's aggression would wont stand even if
force had to be used. We tried diplomacy and economic embargoes
-- and then we moved against the brutal dictator and liberated
Kuwait.
When our troops returned home, we felt whole -- proud of
their courage; confident in ourselves. And that was just the
beginning of a momentous year.
Who would have thought twelve months ago that the Soviet
Union would no longer exist? Who would have thought that Arabs
and Israelis in the Middle East would sit down to discuss ways of
would
forging a permanent peace? Who would have thought that we see
democracy and freedom sweep the globe so dramatically? Who would
2
have thought that American ideals would triumph with such
startling suddenness?
In 1991, the impossible became history. Now, we must
capture that same spirit of belief in ourselves as we overcome
hard times at home -- and build a foundation for lasting
prosperity and peace. And we've already started.
Just last week, I signed a transportation bill that will put
hundreds of thousands of Americans back in good jobs.
This year, we unleashed a revolution in education, and I can
tell you, by the end of this decade, we will have the world's
best schools -- and our children will lead the next generation to
a better future.
And next week, I'll travel to Asia to fight for open markets
and more opportunities for American workers because exports
abroad mean more jobs right here at home. Let there be no
mistake, my number one priority is jobs and economic growth. And
I'm confident that we will succeed.
Let us remember that American ideals -- faith, fellowship,
family, freedom are the values that will shape the world dawning
before us.
Already, Americans have banded together to help those in
need. That's appropriate for this season of faith. It's also
the way Americans are: decent, helpful, full of ambition and hope
-- united in their devotion to community and family. Thank God
for our families.
When I lit our National Christmas Tree in Washington nearly
3
two weeks ago, thousands of lights illuminated the towering
spruce; thousands of warm beacons transformed the night. Each
day we can light the darkness by helping someone in need --
working to see that no elderly person goes to bed hungry; that no
homeless person spends another night shivering on the streets;
that no child sits alone, unloved, unknown. //
Americans have the talent and power to do anything. So when
history remembers Christmas 1991, let it remember that we
promised to bring God's light to our brothers and sisters in
need. Let it record that on Christmas 1991, this nation united
to ask God for peace on earth, good will to all. Let it record
that a new age of goodness and hope began here -- and now.
God bless you, and may your Christmas be bright with love.
#
#
#
#
#
2
establish relations with our old Vietnam-era enemies, Cambodia
and Vietnam? Who would have thought that American ideals would
triumph with such startling suddenness?
In 1991, the impossible became history. Now, we must
wrestle with our victory. We must overcome hard times at home -
- and build a foundation for lasting prosperity and peace.
Last week, I signed a transportation bill that will put
hundreds of thousands of Americans back in good jobs. I talked
to some of the men and women helped by this law. They're like
most Americans -- proud, industrious, eager to do good work.
But my efforts won't stop there. This year, we unleashed a
revolution in education, a challenge to create the best
elementary and secondary schools in the world. Already, more
than half the states have taken up the challenge posed by our
America 2000 education strategy. I can tell you, by the end of
this decade, we will have the world's best schools -- and our
children will lead the next generation to a better future.
Next week, I'll travel to Asia. I'll fight to open markets
and opportunities for American workers. The stakes are very
real. This year we exported more than ever before, and that
means good jobs at good wages for American men and women.
At home, let us remember that American ideals -- faith,
fellowship, family, freedom -- won the Cold War. These values
will shape the world dawning before us.
Already, Americans have banded together to help those in
need. That's appropriate for this season of faith. It's also
3
the way Americans are: decent, helpful, full of ambition and hope
-- united in their devotion to community and family. Thank God
for our families.
And thank God for our faith in ourselves and our ideals.
Christmas reminds us of the man who conquered death -- who stood
for faith, hope and charity -- and declared that "the greatest of
these is charity." Charity -- that's the theme of this year's
National Christmas Tree pageant.
When I lit our National Christmas Tree in Washington nearly
two weeks ago, thousands of lights illuminated the towering
spruce; thousands of warm beacons transformed the night. Each
day we can light the darkness by helping someone in need --
working to see that no elderly person goes to bed hungry; that no
homeless person spends another night shivering on the streets;
that no child sits alone, unloved, unknown. //
We can carry our light into the darkness by working hard and
doing the best we can. Americans have the talent and power to do
anything. So let's dedicate ourselves to achieving our dreams.
When history remembers Christmas 1991, let it remember that
we promised to bring God's light to our brothers and sisters in
need. Let it record that on Christmas 1991, this nation united
to ask God for peace on earth, good will to all. Let it record
that a new age of goodness and hope began here -- and now.
God bless you, and may your Christmas be bright with love.
#
#
#
#
#
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
December 23, 1991 1 p.m.
CHRISTMAS.TS Draft Four
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTMAS ADDRESS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1991
OEOB STUDIO Blue Room
Merry Christmas. I'd like to offer a special greeting to
the men who were held hostages I so long, and to their families,
who never surrendered hope through the long years of isolation
and hardship.
These valiant people sustained themselves through faith and
friendship; character and courage. They demonstrated the
strength of American ideals, character, and determination -- a
strength that inspired the entire world in 1991.
One year ago, I had to wrestle with the possibility of
sending Americans to the battlefront against Saddam Hussein.
Many people wanted me to play it safe, to ignore America's role
as the leader of the free world. But when Saddam taunted us and
mocked our ideals, we proved that we take our word seriously. We
said we'd liberate Kuwait. With the help of a multinational
force, we did.
When our troops returned home, we felt whole -- proud of our
courage; strong in our leadership; confident in ourselves. And
that was just the beginning of a momentous year.
Who would have thought twelve months ago that the Soviet
Union would no longer exist? Who would have thought that Arabs
and Jews in the Middle East would sit down to discuss ways of
forging a permanent peace? Who would have thought that we could
2
establish relations with our old Vietnam-era enemies, Cambodia
and Vietnam? Who would have thought that American ideals would
triumph with such startling suddennesss
In 1991, the impossible became history. Now, we must
wrestle with our victory. We must overcome hard times at home -
- and build a foundation for lasting prosperity and peace.
Last week, I signed a transportation bill that will put
hundreds of thousands of Americans back in good jobs. I talked
to some of the men and women helped by this law. They're like
most Americans -- proud, industrious, eager to do good work.
But my efforts won't stop there. This year, we unleashed a
revolution in education, a challenge to create the best
elementary and secondary schools in the world. Already, more
than half the states have taken up the challenge posed by our
America 2000 education strategy. I can tell you, by the end of
this decade, we will have the world's best schools -- and our
children will lead the next generation to a better future.
Next week, I'll travel to Asia. I'll fight to open markets
and opportunities for American workers. The stakes are very
real. This year we exported more than ever before, and each
billion dollars' worth of manufactured exports means 22,000 good
American jobs.
At home, let us remember that American ideals -- faith,
fellowship, family, freedom -- won the Cold War. These values
will shape the world dawning before us.
Already, Americans have banded together to help those in
3
need. That's appropriate for this season of faith. It's also
the way Americans are: decent, helpful, full of ambition and hope
-- united in their devotion to community and family. Thank God
for our families.
And thank God for our faith in ourselves and our ideals.
Christmas reminds us of the man who conquered death -- who stood
for faith, hope and charity -- and declared that "the greatest of
these is charity." Charity -- that's the theme of this year's
National Christmas Tree pageant.
When I lit our National Christmas Tree in Washington nearly
two weeks ago, thousands of lights illuminated the towering
spruce; thousands of warm beacons transformed the night. Each
day we can light the darkness by helping someone in need --
working to see that no elderly person goes to bed hungry; that no
homeless person spends another night shivering on the streets;
that no child sits alone, unloved, unknown. //
We can carry our light into the darkness by working hard and
doing the best we can. Americans have the talent and power to do
anything. So let's dedicate ourselves to achieving our dreams.
When history remembers Christmas 1991, let it remember that
we promised to bring God's light to our brothers and sisters in
need. Let it record that on Christmas 1991, this nation united
to ask God for peace on earth, good will to all. Let it record
that a new age of goodness and hope began here -- and now.
God bless you, and may your Christmas be bright with love.
#
#
#
#
#
Latest draftto staffing 2:30
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
December 19, 1991 2 p.m.
CHRISTMAS.TS Draft Two
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTMAS ADDRESS
Merry Christmas. And a special greeting from to the men who
were hostages so long and are finally home -- and to their
families. Through long years of isolation and hardship, these
men sustained themselves -- through faith and friendship;
character and courage.
Now, reunited with the ones they love, these men remind us
just how extraordinary our Nation is; and how fortunate we are to
belong to the American family.
We've seen some unforgettable triumphs for the human spirit
these last couple of years. We've seen walls tumble and and
hearts open to the promise of liberty. We've seen a Cold War
give way to the promise of a prosperous peace. Today, let's say
a silent prayer that one Christmas we'll be able to celebrate
freedom and peace embracing the entire world.
And today, let's also say a prayer for those here at home
who need help, so that they might stand proud and self-sufficient
again -- Americans given voice by people like Dave Perdue, of
Arlington, Texas. I was down in Texas last week. After I got
TogAl Today, USA
home I heard that Dave had been trying to see me. He's the
President of UAW Local 276, at the GM plant. He said: "I would
just have pleaded with him to look around. Just do something."
Well, I do see. I do care. I'm fighting to strengthen our
economy and believe me, I'll do more. I'll do everything in my
power to free up the power, the creativity, the potential of the
2
American people. American ideals -- faith, fellowship, family,
freedom -- won the Cold War. I promise you, those values also
will shape the new world dawning before us.
Already, Americans have banded together to help those in
need, and to build the basis for new hope and prosperity. That's
appropriate for this season of faith -- for all religions. But
it's also the way Americans are: decent, helpful, full of
ambition and hope.
Christmas is a day when the whole world honors a single
person. Christ triumphed over death because he possessed the
courage of love. Christmas reminds us of the power of one life,
of one man who stood for faith, hope and charity -- and "the
Counthians 13:13
greatest of these is charity." Charity -- the joy of helping
pageart
others, and the theme of this year's National Christmas Tree.
Peace
Along with our five most recent hostages, I lit that tree in
Dec12
hearly two 5
Washington about a week ago. As the thousands of sparkling
ak2.500
Preselease
Treet Treghting
lights illuminated that dark, tall spruce --- they transformed the
night. They turned the cold darkness into warm light. They
Press
served as bright shining reminders that this nation believes in
Release
the ideal of charity -- that Americans have always been good,
Pageace
generous and kind.
Each day we can dispell a little darkness by helping someone
in need. We can dispell darkness by working to see that no
elderly person goes to bed hungry; that no homeless person spends
another despairing night on the streets; that no child lacks his
birthright of love. We can carry our own lights into the
3
darkness by working hard, by doing the best work we can, by
OUR
building a foundation for a children's futures.
When history remembers Christmas 1991, let it remember that
together we promised to bring God's light to our brothers and
sisters in need. And let history remember that on Christmas
1991, this nation united to ask God for peace on earth, good will
to all. God bless you, and may your Christmas be bright with
love.
#
#
#
#
#
Beh to Tony
(Hinchliffe/Nix)
December 18, 1991 5 p.m.
CHRISTMAS Draft One
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: CHRISTMAS ADDRESS
Merry Christmas. And a special greeting from this entire
country to the men who were hostages so long and are finally
home. Welcome back to those who gave us inspiring legacies of in-
dividual courage, decency, and faith. We've seen some unforget-
table triumphs for the human spirit these last couple of years.
Today, let's say a silent prayer that one Christmas we'll be able
to celebrate freedom and peace embracing the entire world.
And today, let's also say a prayer for those here at home
who urgently need help -- Americans given voice by people like
Dave Perdue, of Arlington, Texas. I was down in Texas last week,
signing a transportation bill on a highway near Arlington. After
I got home I heard that Dave had been trying to see me. He's the
President of UAW Local 276, at the GM plant. He said: "I would
just have pleaded with him to look around. Just do something."
Dave -- I do see. I do care. We are doing something and,
believe me, we will do more. We will do everything. Our future
will be tremendous. We will succeed because we are Americans --
rooted in ideals of faith, fellowship and family -- the ideals
that have sustained this nation for 215 years. We will succeed
because we'll work together, each of us contributing, and we'll
grow as a nation through this work. Right now each of you can
begin in your own hometown -- you can summon up the best of the
American spirit and reach out and help your neighbors in need.
Christmas is a day when the whole world honors a single
2
person. Christ blessed each life he touched with His goodness,
His resolve and His courage. Christmas reminds us of the power of
one life, of one man who stood for faith, hope and charity -- and
"the greatest of these is charity." Charity -- the joy of help-
ing others, and the theme of this year's National Christmas Tree.
Along with our five most recent hostages, I lit that tree in
Washington about a week ago. As I watched the lights come on --
the thousands of sparkling lights on that dark, tall spruce -- I
thought of how they transformed the night into something beauti-
ful. At that moment in a very real way this tree became a symbol
-- a living, shining reminder that this is a nation based on the
ideal of charity -- of goodness, generosity, and simple kindness.
When we illuminated that tree, we turned the cold darkness
into warm light. We can do that every day in a concrete way in
our own neighborhood when each of reaches out a hand to a friend,
or stranger, in need. By working in our own backyards we can make
sure that no elderly person goes to bed hungry; that no homeless
person spends another despairing night on the streets; that no
child lacks his birthright of love. We can also bring our own in-
dividual light to this nation's future by working hard, by making
the best products, by building the very best America we can.
When history remembers Christmas 1991, let it remember that
together we promised to bring God's light to our brothers and
sisters in need. And let history remember that on Christmas 1991,
this nation united to ask God for peace on earth, good will to
all. God bless you, and may your Christmas be bright with love.
3
#
#
#
#
#
The way we'll do that is to follow the true meaning of
Christmas -- the lesson of the greatest teacher who ever lived.
We can turn the magic of Christmas into the magic of national
redemption through Christ's example of charity -- caring for
others out of love.
This is a special season -- rich in meaning for many faiths.
Earlier this month at a ceremony at the White House I shared in
the beginning of Hanukkah, the first day of the lighting of the
menorah. Then, we lit the National Christmas Tree. And soon,
the candles of Kwanzaa will be lit.